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Fe 2 1 c. J. GOLDBERG COLLAPSIBLE BROILER 5 Sheets-Sheet '1 Filed Aug.13, 1958 INVENTOR.

CHESTERJGOLDBERG zj ATTORNEYS Feb. 28, 1961 c. J. GOLDBERG COLLAPSIBLEBROILER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 13, 1958 Um m KG OR T R N 0 E T L To A G J R E M T S E w Feb. 28, 1961 c. J. GOLDBERG COLLAPSIBLE BROILER 5Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 13, 1958 CHESTER \IGOLDBERG ATTORNEY Feb. 28,1961 c. J. GOLDBERG 2,972,942

COLLAPSIBLE BROILER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 13, 1958 P 3 e W} \IIL/8 2 & m m llilw E W A 6 A Z\ M /K F l6. l3

INVENTOR.

CHESTER JGOLDBERG 7C1, JWM dub ATTORNEYS 2,972,942 Ice Patented Feb. 23,1951 COLLAPSIBLE BROILER Chester J. Goldberg, 365 New York Ave.,Brooklyn 13, N.Y.

Filed Aug. 13, 1958, Ser. No. 754,771

Claims. (Cl. 99-421) This invention relates generally to broilers and,more specifically, to electric broilers of the collapsible type in whichthe broiler is adapted to be mounted on a suitable vertically disposedsupporting surface such that the broiler may be swung outwardly to anoperative position from a substantailly collapsed inoperative position.

An object of this invention is to provide a broiler having a heatingelement which is movable from a nonuse position in which it isconveniently and substantially unobstructively placed to a usableposition by an improved structure operable in an effective manner.

Another object is to provide a broiler adapted to be coupled withsubstantially any suitable and vertically disposed supporting surface toswing between a vertical inoperative position and a horizontal operativeposition extending from this supporting surface at substantially rightangles thereo, and further may be supported in this manner by suchsurface either exteriorly or interiorly of any particular household.

A further object is to provide a collapsible broiler having a heatingunit mounted interiorly of a panelized frame, which,'in turn, is adaptedto encase a majority of the other parts of this broiler to thus presenta cabinet appearance when the broiler is swung into its collapsednon-use position.

A still further object is to provide a structurally and functionallyimproved broiler of the collapsible type which is adapted to besupported by substantially any suitable and vertically disposed surfacewhile possessing the characteristics of being readily portable so thatit may be relocated withoutmuch difiiculty.

An important object is to provide a broiler structure, in which a traymay be advantageously located with respect to the broiler heating unit;and in which a spit may be incorporated into suchbroiler structurewhich, in turn, may be so constructed and arranged to provide means forautomatically rotating this spit; and in which other components normallyassociated with broiler units may be incorporated to such structure tofacilitate broiling and other similar culinary operations.

Numerous other objects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing description which is to be taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings illustrating a single preferred embodiment of myinvention in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a broiler in accordance V with thisembodiment showing its extended operative position;

, Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along heating coil 56is suitably anchored to a plate 5S.

2 line 66 of Fig. 5 with certain parts broken away and removed;

Fig. 7 is a partial elevational view in the direction of the arrows ofline 77 of Fig. 5 with certain parts broken away and removed;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of this broiler in a collapsed inoperativestate;

Fig. 9 is a similar perspective view of this broiler in a partly openedposition;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line ltl-10 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 11-11 ofFig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 1212 ofFig. 9 with certain parts broken away and removed; and

Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of the collapsed unit illustrated in Fig.8.

In the drawings I have illustrated a broiler fabricated in accordancewith my present invention of the collapsible type which is adapted to bedisposed in a substantially vertical position on a suitablesubstantially vertical supporting surface. This surface may be 10-coated on the interior or exterior of any particular household. In thisconnection, the broiler may be suitably mounted at an appreciabledistance from this household in close proximity to terraces, picnicgrounds or the like, and preferably at a location permitting the tappingof a suitable source of electrical energy.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, I provide a base plate 20for permitting, among other functions, the connection of my broiler tothe aforenientionedv suitably disposed vertical supporting surface. Thisbase plate 20 constitutes a composite structure including several laminasuch as a rear plate 22 formed, for example, from ply wood, aninterposed sheet of suitable heat insulating material 24 and an outermetallic sheet 26 having suitably flanged edge portions for facilitatingits securement to the rear plate 22 to thus advantageously position theinsulating sheet material 24 therebetween.

A broiler heater unit 28 is pivotally secured to the base plate 20 toswing between a vertical inoperative or non-use position and ahorizontal operative or usable position extending from the base plate 20at substantially right angles thereto. In this connection, the broilerheater unit 28 includes a panelized heater enclosure which includes,when in an extended position, a top panel 30, integrally extending sidepanels 32 and 34 as well as a rear panel 36. The rear panel 36 ishingedly connected to the base plate 20 as at 38 in a mannersubstantially as shown. The frontal sector of the panelized heaterenclosure'may be varied, depending upon the desired configuration and,as illustrated, may have an inclined wall 40 extending integrally fromthe top panel 30, an inclined wall 42 extending integrally from sidepanel 32 and an inclined wall 44 extending integrally from side panel34. These inclined walls then terminate in a wall 46, which issubstantially parallel the rear panel 36. In an effort to reduce thenumber of sharp edges on the panelizecl heater enclosure 28, a lowerperipheral inturned flange 48 may be provided on side panels 32 and 34as well as Walls 32, 44 and 46. An insulating strip 50 is placedadjacent the inner face of the top panel 30 and is fixed thereto bymeans of a suitably secured panel 52.

A heating element 54 is displaceable within the enclosure 28 andincludes the usual heating coil 56. The Plate 58 extends into a pair ofdownwardly projecting sides 64) and 62 which, in turn, are flanged at 64and 66, respectively. As aforementioned, the heating element 54 isdisplaceable within the enclosure 28 and, more particularly, capable ofbeing raised or lowered when the broilor heater unit 28 is swung to itshorizontal operative position. In this connection, the heating element54 is permitted to travel in tracks 68 and 70 properly located andformed on the interior face of each of the side panels 32 and 34. A stud72 may be threadedly secured to the side 65) of the heater element 54and is permitted limited displacement within elongated slot 74. In theside panel 32, a knob 76 projects from the other end of the stud 72 tofacilitate the raising and lowering of the heating element 54.

The distal end of the heating element 54 is substantially the same andincludes a stud 78 extending through the side 62 of the heating element54, elongated slot 80 and side panel 34 with the knob 82 attachedthereto.

A slidable or shiftable latch 84 is then employed to releasably look itsassociated end of the heating element 54 at the desired elevation.

The structure and the functioning of the latches 84 and 86 will be bestunderstood by referring to Fig. 7 which shows in detail the latch 86.shiftably mounted on side panel 34 substantially in juxtaposition withthe elongated slot 80. In this regard, the latch 86 is formed with apair of slots 88 and 90 which are adapted to receive the shanks of apair of threaded bolts 92 and 94, respectively, projecting from sidepanel 34. The latch 96 additionally presents a latching sector whichincludes a series of spaced recesses 96 for conveniently receiving thestud 76 therein when the latch is shifted to the left, as viewed in Fig.7. Thus, upon determining the desired elevation of the heating element54, the broiler operator need only to associate the threaded shaft 78with the appropriately located recess 96 of the latch 86 when the latteris shifted to the right as viewed in Fig, 7. Then the broiler operatorcan shift the latch 86 to the left as viewed in this figure and therebylock the subject end of the heating element 54 at the selectedelevation, A similar procedure is resorted to in positioning the otherend of the heating element 54.

A pair of pivotal arms and 102 are pivotally secured to the base plate20 to swing between a vertical inoperative position substantiallyparallel to the base 20 and a vertical operative position extending fromthe base 20 at right angles thereto and with respect'to the broilerheater unit 28. These arms 100 and 102 when in an operative position areadapted to support the broiler heater unit 28 in an operative position,substantially as illustrated in. Fig. l; and when in an inoperativeposition they are adapted to be contained within the broiler heater unit23 when the latter is in an inoperative position, as illustrated in Fig.8. Arm 100 is hingedly connected at 164 to a post 106 secured to theback plate 20. Arm 102, on the other hand, is hinged at 108 to a post110 similarly connected to back plate 20.

Arm 100 includes a pair of side panels 112 and 114, a pair of spaced endpanels 116 and 118 as well as a top panel 129 an bottom panel 122.Insulation 124 is suitably spaced within the pivotal arm 100 to minimizeheat transfer to the outer exposed panels. A plurality of spacedparallel racks 126, the purpose of which would become apparent shortly,are suitably mounted by side panel 114.

The other pivotal arm 10?. is similarly fabricated and includes a pairof spacedside panels 128 and .1301, end panels 132 and 134, top panel136 and bottom panel 133. insulation 14% is disposed within the pivotalarm 102 to reduce the effects of heat from the broiler heating element54. A series of racks 142 are then secured to the inner face of the sidepanel 123 in a manner somewhat similar to the securement of racks 126 totheir associated side panel 114. i

A tray 144 is suitably ing edges 146 and is adapted to be slidablysupported by the inwardly projecting racks 126 and 142 when the pivotalarms 100 and 102 are swung to their operative formed with peripheralupstand-.

position substantially normal to the back plate 20. This tray 144 hassecured to its back face a hook structure 148 which is adapted tofrictionally engage complementary surfaces of another hook structure 150anchored to the inner face of the inner lamina 26 of the back plate 2%).Thus, when the arms 10% and 102 are in their collapsed inoperativeposition, the tray 144 is adapted to be interposed between thesecollapsed arms and the back plate 20 and further secured in thisposition by means of the cooperating hook structures 148 and 150. Whenit is desired to place the tray 144 in the appropriate selected pair ofracks 1 2,6 and 142, the tray is unhooked from the back plate 20, afterarms and 102 are in their operative position, and then suitablypositioned.

To ensure the maintenance of the arms 100 and 102 in their collapsedinoperative position, a latch 152 is provided, which is pivotallymounted on the exterior panel of one of these arms. This latch 152 isadapted to engage a projecting pin 154 extending from the exterior panelof the other arm through a latch recess portion 156. When desired, thearms 100 and 102 may be swung outwardly with respect to the back plate20 by initially disassociating the latch 152 with the engaged projectingpin 154.

When the arms 100 and 102 are in their fully extended position withrespect to the back plate 20, further movement of these arms past theirdesired perpendicularity with respect to this back plate 20 will beprevented by the engagement of the end panels 118 and 134 with thevertically extending posts 106 and respectively. Although a properlymounted tray 144 in racks 126 and 142 will prevent the arms 100 and 102from swinging inwardly, provisions are nevertheless made for a pair ofcatches 160 pivotally mounted on the side panel 112 of arm 100 and sidepanel of arm 102 engageable, respectively, with the side panels 32 and34 of the broiler heater unit 28. Prior to collapsing arms 100 and 102,the catches are swung out of engagement with their associated broilerunit side panels 32 and 34.

Mounted within the arm 100 is an electric motor 162 which is suitablycoupled with a reduction gear assembly 164 similarly positioned withinthe confines of the arm 100. The drive coupling for this motor reductiongear assembly 164 is accessible through a suitably formed opening 166 inthe side panel 114 of arm 100. A spit 168 having the usual prongs 170may be detachably journaled in the drive coupling of the gear assembly164 when it is desired to resort to a rotisserie method of preparingfood. It has been found that satisfactory results are obtained when theoutput of the motor 162 is geared down by assembly 164 to approximately9 rpm. The other arm 102, in order to cooperate in rotatably mountingthe spit 168, is provided with a slot 172 formed in end panel 132 andside panels 128 and 130. The slot 172 is defined by suitably positionedwall portions that cooperate to substantially enclose the interiorconfines of arm 102. The dimensions of the slot 172 should be such thatthe end of the spit 168, which includes a suitable bearing collar 174 aswell as handle 176, is permitted free rotation therein upon actuation ofthe other spit end by energization of the motor 162. The collar 174mounts a suitable washer which is adapted to rotate in a slit formed inthe lower wall of thevslot 172 to prevent the spit 168 from becomingdisengaged with the motor 162. If for some reason an automatic rotationof spit 168 is not desired, the handle 176 may be activated to obtainmanual rotation. V A suitable electric switch 178 may be mounted on theend panel 116 of arm 100 and may be properly electrically connected tothe motor 162 to initiate and stop the actuation of the latter.Additionally, a suitable warning pilot light 180 may be incorporatedinto the structure of the arm 100 adjacent the endpanel a 116 toindicate whether or not the motor is running. a

If it is found to be necessary, -a similar switching means and pilotlight arrangement may be employed in connection with the energization ofthe heating element 54 located within the panelized enclosure of thebroiler heater unit 28.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, a suitable electric timer 182 may beadditionally provided in arm 100 as an aid in the preparation of food bymeans of the present invention.

Naturally, when an ordinary broiling operation is employed, the use ofthe rotatable spit 168 is not necessary. Accordingly, when not in use,the spit 163 may be mounted by means of hooks 184 properly located onthe back plate 20 so that the spit, as well as hooks, will not obstructthe desired movement of the parts to either the operative position ofFig. 1 or collapsed position of Fig. 8.

However, when the spit is utilized, it will be evident that its axis ofrotation is substantially fixed when it extends between the mountingarms 100 and 102. In this connection, the distance between the heatingelement 54 and this axis of rotation may be increased or decreased bysimply manipulating the latches 84 and 86 to etfect the desireddisplacement of this element.

As mentioned in the foregoing, a broiler fabricated in accordance wtihthis invention is in most respects portable when its backing plate 20 isnot permanently secured to a vertically disposed supporting surface.When a broiler collapsed position is assumed, as illustrated in Fig. 8,a latch assembly 186 may be included to releasably secure the broilerheater unit 28, and consequently arms 100 and 102, to the back plate 20.A handle 188 may then be provided on the panel 46 of this unit tofacilitate its transportation to a selected location.

Thus, it will be apparent that the numerous aforenoted objects andadvantages, among others, are most efiectively attained. Although asingle embodiment has been illustrated and described, it is intendedthat this invention be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A collapsible broiler comprising in combination: a verticallydisposed base adapted to be secured in a substantially verticalposition; a broiler unit having an electrical heater element and beingin a substantially horizontal operative position extending from saidbase at substantially right angles thereto; a first pivotal meanspivotally connecting said broiler unit to said base so that said broilerunit is displaceable from said horizontal operative position to asubstantially vertical collapsed position against said base; a first armand second arm being spaced from one another and being in asubstantially vertical operative position extending from said base atsubstantially right angles thereto and at right angles with respect tosaid broiler unit, said arms supporting said broiler unit in itsoperative position; a second and third pivotal means respectivelypivotally connecting said first arm and said second arm to said base sothat said arms are pivotal from their vertical operative position to asubstantially vertical collapsed position at which they are against saidbase and substantially contiguous one another, and said broiler unit andsaid pivotal arms being so constructed and arranged that when saidpivotal arms are in their collapsed position they are adapted to becontained within said broiler unit when the latter is in its collapsedposition.

2. The invention, in accordance with claim 1, wherein a tray supportmeans form part of said arms for supporting a tray at a number ofselected locations on said arms with respect to said broiler unit; and atray supported by said tray support means at a selected location on saidarms with respect to said broiler unit.

3. The invention, in accordance with claim 2, wherein said broiler is soconstructed and arranged that said tray is adapted to be interposedbetween said arms and said base when said arms are in their collapsedposition.

4. The invention, in accordance with claim 1, wherein said broilerfurther includes a spit; and means on said arms for rotatably mountingsaid spit.

5. The invention, in accordance with claim 4, wherein a motor is mountedby one of said arms for continuously driving said spit. I

6. The invention, in accordance with claim 4, wherein said broiler unitincludes adjusting means for adjusting the position of said heatingelement within said broiler unit and with respect to said spit.

7. The invention, in accordance with claim 4, wherein tray support meansform part of said arms for supporting a tray below said spit; and a traysupported by said tray support means below said spit with said spitbeing interposed between said tray and said heater element.

8. The invention, in accordance with claim 1, wherein said broiler unitincludes an adjusting means for adjusting the position of said heaterelement within said broiler unit.

9. The invention, in accordance with claim 1, wherein one of said armsincludes means for mounting a timer; and one of said arms includes meansfor mounting a warning device for indicating the energization of certainparts of said broiler.

10. The invention, in accordance with claim 1, wherein a tray issupported by said arms and restricts movement of said arms from theiroperative position to their collapsed position; and latch meansoperatively connected between said broiler unit and both of said armsfor re stricting movement of said arms beyond their operative positionand further away from their collapsed position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,404,808 Taylor Jan. 31, 1922 1,718,961 Humphrey July 2, 1929 2,398,508Shoemaker Apr. 16, 1946 2,470,645 Reichart May 17, 1949 2,477,529Sprinkle July 29, 1949 2,558,294 Finizie June 26, 1951 2,627,854 SauaFeb. 10, 1953 2,718,845 Dudley Sept. 27, 1955 2,783,705 Vrionis Mar. 5,1957 2,811,628 Gottfried Oct. 29, 1957 2,856,507 Naxon Oct. 14, 1958

